Blackpool FC Community Trust column: Youngsters look to Show Racism the Red Card

Blackpool FC Community Trust (BFCCT) welcomed more than 100 children from several local schools to Bloomfield Road for its annual Show Racism the Red Card event.

It brought together pupils to explore racism, online misinformation and the importance of allyship in creating inclusive communities.

Delivered in partnership with Show Racism the Red Card, Blackpool FC and the Premier League Primary Stars programme, the event provided students with an opportunity to develop their understanding of discrimination, challenge misconceptions and learn how they can make a positive difference within their schools and wider communities.

Throughout the day, pupils participated in three educational workshops: each focusing on a different theme.

The first workshop explored racism, helping students understand what racism is, how it can affect individuals and communities, and the importance of recognising and challenging discriminatory behaviour.

Another focused on misinformation, particularly online, exploring how false or misleading information can contribute to discrimination, prejudice and division.

The session highlighted how misinformation can influence attitudes towards different cultures and communities, reinforcing the importance of making informed and responsible decisions.

A final workshop centred on allyship and took place in the home changing rooms at Bloomfield Road.

Pupils explored what it means to be an ally, why standing alongside others is important and how individuals can challenge discrimination and support those affected by it.

As part of the creative element of the day, students were challenged to design a poster representing their school and local community, celebrating different cultures and races, and promoting unity, inclusion and togetherness.

The winning team’s design will be professionally redesigned before being distributed to schools across Blackpool, helping to spread the event’s message of equality and respect.

Pupils also had the chance to hear from a guest panel featuring Blackpool FC trio CJ Hamilton, Josh Earl and Oluchi Enwanacho.

They answered questions about racism and discrimination, sharing their experiences both on and off the pitch throughout their careers.

The panel was further strengthened by the attendance of Blackpool FC’s scholars, who also took part in the discussion and answered questions from the pupils.

They shared their perspectives on their own backgrounds, experiences and the challenges they have encountered.

At the end of the event, all pupils received a goodie bag before returning to their respective schools.

As school representatives, they were encouraged to share the key messages and learning from the day with their peers

Simon Smith, BFCCT’s primary PE manager, said: “Today has been a fantastic opportunity to bring schools together to explore some really important topics around racism, misinformation and allyship.

“The engagement from the pupils has been brilliant and it has been great to see them asking thoughtful questions, sharing experiences and developing their understanding of how they can make a positive difference.

“Having our first-team players and scholars involved made the day even more special, helping bring these messages to life through their own experiences.

“We hope the pupils return to their schools feeling empowered to challenge discrimination, support others and spread the message that everyone deserves to feel included and respected.”